President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the airport and hospital projects in Alifushi, Raa Atoll will be completed and officially opened within his current presidential term.
The President made the remarks during his regular series of meetings with journalists, responding to a question from a reporter regarding the stalled progress of the Alifushi hospital project.
A 30-bed hospital is currently being developed in Alifushi under a project valued at USD 8.3 million. The project was awarded to MTCC with a completion period of two years.
President Muizzu said the healthcare sector remains one of the highest priorities of his administration. He noted that healthcare accounts for one of the largest shares of projects awarded, and scheduled to be awarded, under this year's state budget.
Highlighting the condition of the healthcare sector when his administration assumed office, the President said the system had been in a very fragile state. He said the government's current efforts are focused on establishing a holistic healthcare system capable of delivering comprehensive services to all citizens.
While acknowledging that some projects are not progressing at the desired pace, the President stressed that Alifushi, Raa Atoll plays an important role in regional development. He said all pledges made to the island, including the airport and hospital projects, would receive special attention.
"Both projects have been awarded to MTCC. The financing required for MTCC to procure the necessary equipment has now been arranged. Without much delay, MTCC will acquire the project materials and resume work. Both projects will be completed and opened within this term," the President said.
The President further stated that a special schedule has been developed to complete hospitals and health centres across the country, with projects planned for completion in different phases throughout his term.
Healthcare services in Alifushi are currently provided through a health centre. The new hospital building is expected to expand available space and increase access to specialist medical services for residents.
The new hospitals being constructed under the government's programme are designed to include flu clinics and isolation facilities, allowing healthcare services to continue uninterrupted during disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. In addition, each hospital is scheduled to be equipped with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to help reduce energy costs.
The development of an airport in Alifushi, Raa Atoll, which is geographically isolated from the other islands in the atoll, has long been a key aspiration of the island's residents. To facilitate the project, 50.5 hectares of land have been reclaimed.
According to the government, 80 per cent of the reclaimed land has been allocated for the airport development. The remaining land will be used to address housing needs for Alifushi's population of approximately 3,000 people and to allocate space for economic activities.
The airport project includes the construction of a 1,200-metre runway, an apron, a taxiway and airport roads. It also includes the development of a terminal building, a fire station building, the installation of firefighting facilities, and the construction of a 655-metre security fence.
The project is being funded through the state budget at a cost of USD 27.6 million.